Tourism Impact: Balancing Benefits and Challenges in Popular Destinations
Cities and tourist destinations worldwide have implemented stringent measures to combat the adverse effects of tourism on housing availability and infrastructure.
New York, a hub for tourists, has enforced strict regulations to curb short-term apartment rentals, primarily to address the housing shortage crisis exacerbated by tourism.
In Florence, a picturesque Tuscan city, new tourist apartments in the historic center have been banned since June. Many of these lodgings are provided through platforms like Airbnb. Mayor Dario Nardella emphasized the need for politically challenging measures to tackle this issue effectively.
Italy has seen protests against the proliferation of Airbnb rentals, with students in various university towns demonstrating against the impact of short-term rentals.
Venice recently introduced a daily fee of five euros for tourists entering its historic center, aiming to manage the influx of visitors effectively.
Greece has implemented a daily visitor cap of 20,000 tourists on the Acropolis hill, effective from September. The decision was driven by the necessity to safeguard the monument from excessive tourism-related damage.
These examples highlight a global phenomenon termed “over-tourism,” “tourism flood,” or “tourist panic.” While tourism is undeniably beneficial, it can also have adverse effects on destinations.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant drop in tourism numbers in 2020-2021. However, recent signs suggest a return to pre-pandemic travel preferences, with the possibility of breaking old records this year, particularly in Europe.
Eurostat, the Union’s statistical authority, reported a strong recovery in the EU’s tourism industry, with 1.2 billion overnight stays in tourist accommodations in EU countries from January to June, surpassing the figures from the same period in 2019.
In Finland, tourism is expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, with notable increases in the influx of Russian and Chinese tourists. The upcoming winter season is anticipated to be promising for Finland.
Internationally, there are indications of a tourism recovery, exemplified by Ryanair, Europe’s largest passenger airline, surpassing its 2019 passenger numbers during the summer. Air travel worldwide is approaching pre-pandemic levels, and domestic flights have already exceeded them.
However, if this growth trend continues, the consequences of the tourism surge may become increasingly apparent. Instances like the “beach towel revolt” in Greece, where local residents protested overcrowded tourist beaches, highlight the tension between tourists and locals.
In Japan, there are concerns about overcrowding at popular tourist destinations like Mount Fuji. Yasuyoshi Okada, who advocates for the preservation of Japan’s cultural heritage, emphasized the need for disciplined tourism, especially in the face of mounting challenges posed by overcrowding.
As tourism continues to rebound, striking a balance between its benefits and potential drawbacks remains a critical challenge for destinations worldwide.